'Tis now known why the Willow weeps,
a tragedy of love, its memory keeps.
For once a young man and young maid,
on tender grass, beneath branches lay.
Though pledged by birth to another,
from clans they hid, to be together.
Thus, the gentle Willow was their choice,
meeting beneath, till love they could voice.
The Willow held these secret lovers dear,
so would lower its boughs, when they drew near.
Thus tucked away in the Willow's womb,
could lay as one, yet this love was doomed.
For jealousy lurked within the pines,
spying young lovers thus entwined,
behind Willow's curtain of slender limbs,
He swore the maiden, would yet be his.
Thus, it came to pass one day,
as young maid softly made her way,
to their Willow, deep within the glen,
espied the branches did already bend.
Timidly, as she did draw near,
soft sound of sorrow fell upon her ears.
Parting Willow's branches to look within,
a dampness did touch upon her skin.
The Willow was shedding sap laden tears,
for the young man, in death, was near.
'Twas an arrow that had been used,
a potent poison, the tip infused.
The maiden, now blind with grieving mist,
pulled out the arrow, held it, in clenched fist.
Whilst cradled in love's arms, did he draw last breath.
Then, young maid, plunged the arrow, into her breast.
And so it is, that this story is told,
as the Willow's grief would not be consoled.
For unable to stop what had befell,
the young lovers, it had hid so well.
With will broken, as lovers lay dead,
the Willow, its branches, never again spread.
And because it is the memory it keeps,
it is to this day, that the Willow weeps.

One by one they have slipped away,
Beyond the one way door,
The friends who once were near and dear
Are not here anymore.
I don’t know why I am the one,
Who’s been the last to stay
As others take my memories
And go so far away.
Not one loved person who was there
When I first came to Earth
Is still around to share with me
The wonder of my birth.
And when I found this lovely place
Where I could share my dreams,
I made new friends who treated me
With kindness and esteem.
But now it seems so many leave
Without a backward glance.
I am afraid I’m doomed to be
The last one at the dance.
Written: April 30, 2013

She was my virtual secret lover
who staked a claim on me; it was her choice.
Enshrouded in intense obscurity
I never saw her face or heard her voice.
She spoke to me in silent words of yearning
inscribed in coloured ink on fragrant notes
attached to each a petal that gave meaning
to the emotions that adorned her quotes.
A longer letter came one autumn evening;
It left me trembling and with misty eyes.
With ailing strength she begged for love, forgiveness.
Her final words still echo her goodbye.
Attached there were two orange blossom petals
a sign of never ending bond of love,
now a treasured memory pressed for time eternal
of my virtual secret lover watching from above.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Contest: Make Their Jaws Drop
Sponsor: FJ Thomas

Born into tragic reckoning,
We understand that all the bliss we have is but a moment in Creation,
Elation and tragedy come to nothing beneath the last breath our body takes,
And death opens wide to swallow us into that great mystery.
Born into tragic reckoning,
We try and create a memory that lives beyond our countenance,
But that memory is hollow compared to the touch of loved ones,
We grow and live knowing that someday we will lose our parents and friends to that dark dominion,
And yet does death still sting as before?
Born into tragic reckoning,
A man lived in sorrow, hoping and reaching for a better tomorrow,
Born into poverty and oppression,
A man refused to accept the limitations of his age and grew to become like no manner of man that has ever existed.
Born into tragic reckoning, a man grabbed the hand of God and demanded life,
And when it was his time to die he embraced the abyss,
Three days later he rose from death’s clutches and said, “I am that I am.”
The great dream of tomorrow beyond the sting of loss is real and it is rather the sensation that things end which is mistaken.
For there was and is a man, who will ensure that tragedies are transformed into triumphant reconciliation.
For there was and is a man, who guarantees that even in the height of despair there really is no end and all mysteries give way to beginnings of blessing.
Oh Death, because of a man who was, who is, and who will be where is your sting?
Or sorrow where is your victory?
For death can rule no soul.
So into the great beyond, go with courage dear sister, go with courage.

The dawning of the sun
And the cry of the ocean
The blooded-like rays of the sunset
Full of loneliness and casted by scarlet
The fall of the leaves
Someone will soon to leave
In the midst of the darkest place
I feel the warmth of an embrace
I am being used throughout the years
Now searching for pure love tears
I can hear now the march of the battalion
The mark of my ruination
I am longing to see this paradise
Where my sun used to rise
I misses the sweetest scents of the flowers
While singing the lyrics of the proverbs
By the love vested by my birth land
My time comes to its end
For that butterfly says goodbye
My loveliest tears for my love before I 'll die

I left you long ago for a place unknown
Every time I remember how it used to be
My heart is always flooded with memories
It was not always about the running water, electricity or the good roads
It was simply about the rich abiding love that people shared with others
If I did not show up at church, somebody stopped by to check that I was okay
If they did not turn up at a place, it was my duty to be certain that everything was alright
Neighbors were family friends not just people you waved to
Deeds were done not for a fee but out of love and that was the way we rolled
I became a mother for the first time in a strange land, I could not be more lonely
Husband had to go to school, I had no one to turn to
I called my Mama, thousands of miles in Africa, I wept and wept
All she could say was, "baby you can do it" you go on and be blessed
It was tough, it was hard but I made it
If I did not know God in a personal way, I might have lost it
I miss you Oh land of my birth every now and then
The laughter, the pure joy, the unfailing love I shared with others
The help of others that was always at hand
Everyone looking for what they could give not what they could get
Though you have your share of woes but you are still the land of my birth
Though you are still developing as a nation, you have qualities that can not be compared
I have found a home in this place, it is no longer strange
I have been blessed with a family and friends that do care

One of the happiest days,
Is bringing our soldiers home alive,
To where they can be seen,
By their families once again,
To show them we love them,
And care about them,
In the ways we should,
Cause they gave up their time,
And their lives for this country,
For our freedoms we often take for granted,
To protect us from the domestic evils of today,
Whether we see them or not,
We should praise them all,
For all that they have done,
Including those who have fallen,
And can Not walk back through the gates of home,
For they have fallen and given more for this country,
And sacrificed more than we pay attention too,
To save us all for our freedoms,
Which our country will often forget,
With time the fallen one's,
Because we often pay attention to those,
Who are here in front of us and can fight,
One day at a time,
Which is the wrong way to be,
Cause all soldiers are made the same,
And should never be forgotten in anyway,
Day after day cause we have what we have,
To remind us all of all who have sacrificed their lives,
For the freedoms we have to keep us safe,
Each and everyday!

it seems like an eternity
since ive seen ur smile
the fact that uve been gone
still has me in deep denial
a lot of stuff has happened
since ur smile left this earth
gatherings, eagles losing, parties
life changes and brooklyns birth
a lot of people miss u greatly
n think about u everyday
our last picture together
on my dresser it will stay
ur deep voice, ur humor, ur kindness
is what i tend to miss the most
ur passing forever broke my heart
but our memories i hold close
i must admit, i did hit rock bottom
drugs n alcohol i used to cope
i took ur passing very hard
i started to give up hope
but i looked into brooklyns eyes
n caught a glimpse of u
u probably would have kicked my ass
sober now i stay true
mom also met a fine fella
u actually would approve
no need to kick this guys ass
hes good to her n the kids to
madison is so smart n beautiful
byron is turning into a handsome man
there both striving so well
u should be a very proud dad
two of ur friends got engaged
there so cute n its exciting news
i hope they live a life of happiness
i know u would feel the same to
ur brother misses u the most
hes coping the best he can
he misses u as much as i do
he was ur biggest fan
ur neighbors n friends
also stop by ur page
reminiscing about the good times
the laughter n good chatter ud engage
thank-god for all the music
its a good way to deal with pain in life
cause without u here with us
its like eating steak without a knife
im over trying to understand
i feel ur in a happier place
you had ur own reasons
your demons u finally faced
but in a couple days
ur birthday we will celebrate
the big thirty seven u turn
teasing u old man woulda been great
your always in our hearts
in our thoughts forever jay
so while ur up in heaven...
smile...cause its ur birthday :)
http://youtu.be/Qy1LXL0606Q

The house stands mute, broken by years...
Windows stare through jagged glass.
Empty as the eyes of death.
Silent void...echoing joy..patient tears,
reach out in memory each time I pass
the gaping door which has no breath.
A rusted lamp-post leans toward Earth...
listening for approaching sound,
to light the darkness once more.
Quiet hush...resounding mirth,
touch my step upon the ground,
and beckon me in, to the shattered house.
Crushed boards once held dancing feet...
laughter clings to crumbled stones,
and tears strain the silent rooms.
Scattered remnants of life replete,
lie still as whitened desert bones,
and words spoken...here entombed.
I gaze upon torn and tattered walls...
Time pauses, and whispers soft to me
of life blossomed rich in moments gone.
Of a woman whose memory recalls
the beauty of love...and eternity...
mirrored in a rose upon the lawn.
House so sad, your youth abounds,
neath fallen grace, and buried sounds.
I hear your song in distant night,
and stand before your silent sight.

When you look at the hills faraway at sunset,think of me:
I am the black flock of birds that disappears into the horizon;
I am the beautful golden sunset that touches your heart;
I am the wind that blows towards the hills;
And I am the dark house upon the dark hills;
I am the old grave that lie silently in the dark moist forest,
FORGOTEN FOREVER

When you are far from home,
Never give up on life,
Cause your family,
Will always be with you,
In you caring heart,
Even when the times,
Get difficult and tough,
And make you want to give up,
They are always there,
For you to turn too,
And show you a way,
To find the peace,
And happiness you need,
In your caring and loving life,
So that one day,
You will find the true love,
That you most certainly deserve,
For that loving heart,
Which is a true fact,
It is a very big heart that cares,
For more than just the person you are,
But those around you,
And the family you have in your life.

My Wonderful Love and Me
We met by the sand and the sea
My wonderful love and me
We sat on the sand by the sea
My wonderful love and me
We played in the waves of the sea
My wonderful love and me
The sun shone on us both at the sea
My wonderful love and me
We married there down by the sea
My wonderful love and me
We built us a house by the sea
My wonderful love and me
Our family grew with us there by the sea
My wonderful love and me
Years passed for us there by the sea
My wonderful love and me
Illness took her away by the sea
My wonderful love from me
Now I sit here alone by the sea
Sad that she’s taken from me
I think how we met by the sea
How happy we both seemed to be
I remember our times by the sea
Memories now only for me.

In flanders fields the poppies do grow
For those brave soldiers that did die
The ones to whom I speak of
Are the ones that fought with pride
The ones who fought a war that was really worth fighting for
The ones who stood up for our rights a freedoms
It's those soldiers whom I adore
They fought with a reason, they fought with a purpose
The days, The night it didn't matter but still they did not hurt us
What I mean is that everything that they fought for truly had a meaning
They were fighting a war for life, not for wealth or stealing
Please remember what these soldiers fought so hard for,
Please remember why.
Don't commit anymore of these acts of hate
No more people need to die
Everyone has there time to go in life let them choose there way
The wars need to end here, the peace is what needs to stay
At least one day out of the year please let's just remember
The Brave, The Strong, The Few
If it wasn't for them fighting for where you are now
There might not be a Me a You.
So with pride I say thank you from the bottom of my heart
To all the soldiers that fought for the right reasons
To give us all a fresh new start.

Today we went to the lake and played in the sun all day.
My skin turned a bright pink and it stings when you touch it.
You rubbed Aloe Vera on my wound, and the sting was gone.
Today we went to a haunted house and monsters jumped from every turn.
My heart pounded like a drum, thump, thump, thump, and I was terrified.
You held me tight, and my fear was gone.
Today we went to the hospital and I sat at your bedside.
My tears flowed down my face. I didn't want to lose you.
You smiled at me and I wearily wept because you were gone.
Today I sat alone and cried in bed all day.
My mind turned a dark gray and I sting when you enter.
You sat in my mind all day, and the sting remained.
Today I sat in my haunted house, haunted by the memories of you.
My heart pounded like a drum, thump, thump, thump, and I was terrified.
You stared at me all day, and my fear remained.
Today I sat in the hospital and you were at my bedside.
My tears flowed down my face. I was only trying to join you.
You frowned at me and I wearily wept because still, you were gone.

To imagine after all this time that has gone by,
I would be talking to the one that once caught my eye.
Out of nowhere one day she just seemed to appear,
Just so incredibley surprising to me after all of these years.
Sharing all those thoughts and dreams we once had ,
How we laughed at those days yet it made us a bit sad.
For the feelings I did not know she had for me ,
It only makes me wonder what our lives would be.
Our hearts now beating as they did back in the days,
How we are acting like children going out to play.
The love I feel for her has never felt so strong,
A love that once was I thought was forever gone.
But to my excitement I can honestly & sincerely say ,
The love that was lost has been found and here to stay.
This thing we have found in this love between you & me ,
Joy and happiness for the rest of our lives is what I see.
TAC

The scent of oceans, a certain coolness
of wind over water wanders these city streets
where oleander blooms wickedly
in the ruby assignation of the heart.
An occosional grayed gull, bonded to the Seine,
grown fat with pigeons and lazy for the river
forgets raw Novembers he owned the coast,
forgets the dangerous face of the sea after storms:
her width cut arrow straight at the horizon,
ragged at the shore, like lace to granite.
Standing on the Pont de l'Alma, watching one
lone expatriate gull scan the surface
of this fabled river that travels seaward
to Le Havre, I remember
colonies of gulls, how they plotted
their exodus across our island to the harbor,
or on the pinnacles of the fort, where
no invaders except sea birds come,
seeking shelter from their free lives as if
freedom is too much to bear sometimes,
drawing with their terrible focus
a telegraphy of sharp cries, wings dipping
into the morning harvest of seaweed and shell
among the hooves of wild horses,
the old bones of sailers.

Dear Brenda,
Jehovah won't forget
the love you showed for His Name
How hard you played this game
called life
How you put up a fight
to do right
Your cries
Your tears
How you fought to serve him
when there was so much to fear
How you never gave up
And most importantly
How you loved.
How you loved
How you loved.
And if it helps your transition
I would just like to mention
I won't forget your passion
for life and religion.

I ask all to be open minded as I tell the story of my friend, William .
There are so many prejudice in this World , from color to sex
To me it has always been the soul , the person inside
For one that is shallow will not experience life in true blessing
William my friend was African American , he was fun and personality full of 'I am here "
William was Gay , William disowned , William called "A queer "
Well this is a lesson for all to know
God does not care what color , but the heart , what color it shows .
I had left my 1st Husband , with 2 children I had to support .
I was depressed , felt alone in the civilian World of a sort
For when I got to Monterey bay , I was on a Military base
Very shy and recluse , not leaving the perimeter of the land
I opened such a big door when I left that abusive Man
I had the tiniest apartment with 2 little rooms , probably 550 sq. feet I presume .
I will never for get the night He came to my door , William ," Girl, lets go dancing
Let's go explore ! He called me 'The platinum Blonde "
We went out together and danced , he was amazing ! William energized any room . He Lit it Up !
For he had something inside his beautiful soul , no money could buy, nor silver or gold.
Well years went by in Monterey bay , I had fallen in love with a man , Lost so much time .
Time went by , after the man broke my heart ,I remember "where is William "
I missed something that lies deep in my heart . The true Love and friendship of he I craved .
Now this story is long so go to "William part 2 "be patient , be brave .

Driving my car across the country, numerous years ago, going to a new place,
Changing who I’d know
A loud bang broke the boredom and blue smoke filled the air, engine was
A ’knocking, a sound beyond compare
I rolled onto a shoulder she shuddered then just quit, steam billowed, gurgled
Upward, a vaporous boiling spit
Radiator hose blown open, fan belt a shredded knot, out in the center of nowhere
My old motor smoking hot
In the trunk I found duct tape, a knotted ball of rusty wire, a pair Big Mama
Pantyhose tucked beneath the flat spare tire
Duct taped her hose- wiped her nose a rusty water spot, wound nylons ‘round
Her pulleys tied them in a big old hairy knot
She sputtered on, then started, guzzled water like a horse, I slammed her hood to
Close it shut, and got her back on course
I landed in the town of Burning Fork slightly after six, found Joe’s Garage and Mini
Mart, hoped that there I’d find a fix.
I said hello and told old Joe my car was needing some attention, she’d blown a
Hose- thrown a belt, quick repair my best intention
Joe wiped his brow with a greasy towel, wringed his hands as if in sorrow, but I’m
Sorry son, the parts won’t come, until after four tomorrow
Told me there’s a place to eat across the street, Maggie’s Eatery and Hotel
So I took a seat, smelled fresh eats, then rang that dinner bell
Bacon, sausage and four eggs- sourdough toast tangy orange marmalade,
My spirits were sky high, farmer fresh- just like Mom’s homemade
Yes chili size, a big o ’side of fries, calf liver fried up with onions; green beans with
Ham, a thick slice of spam- Heard chocolate cake might cure my bunions
Large strawberry shake, a mixture of fresh fruits, chicken Chow Mein over egg
Noodles, with slivered bamboo shoots- don’t forget a fortune cookie
She could tell by my order I was starving, asking a for quite a lot, so I explained in
Momentary detail, all about the shiny- polished spot
Worn upon my backbone from my stomach rubbing upon it with great fury; no
Disrespect, don’t tally up that check, I’m famished but in no great hurry.
Maggie laid a check at my plate that fateful date, my excuse was awkwardly hard
Dug in my pockets, eyes bulging their sockets: had no cash; no credit card
I told her my tale of highway grief, managed out of that tight spot; I gave her my
Best smile, I gave the moment my best shot
If I may stay I’ll make you a deal, potatoes and onions I will peel, come morning
Scrub your pots and pans, smooth as a harbor seal
I’ll work hard, you bet, I’ll pay off my debt-if it takes me until late cold November,
I don’t even recall she objected at all, just a smile I’ll forever remember
Thirty years has passed by, since I capped that meal with sliced apple pie, to live
Out my dreams in Burnt Fork endlessly
Maggie and I were soon after wed, my dinner check I have twice daily read
Probably will till the day I meet my maker
But until that day arrives I’m a husband to my wife Maggie’s great surprise- one
Heck of a cook and a baker

They say that time can heal all wounds,
but ive not found this to be true
for time is not a lasting boon
if it were i'd still have you.
Everything you meant to me
now trapped inside a memory,
your existence now within me
a picture only I can see
but thoiugh in this world
you have ceased to be,
in my heart you live
eternally.

One day upon a midweek night
She met her lover true
His speckled eyes were as twinkling stars,
that shined into the blue.
They drank, they laughed; then laughed and danced,
she gave him her name untrue.
Then laughed and danced some more until,
she left and bid him adieu.
Soon she was back to her usual task,
the studying of books till blue.
Needing a break, she strolled down the hall,
when who should come into view?
He was twinkling brighter and she could feel his laughter
as he called her name untrue.
Her chagrin so deep, she wanted to sink,
so deeply into the blue.
I've been all around, describing your face
you and your name untrue
and all who kindly answered declared,
you and your real name true.
Her smile was weak but his smile was strong,
already the strength of two,
hearts entwined by the fates unseen,
to journey into the blue ~/)~
(5/5/2016 - Blue Ballad)

A gatherer whistles an old air
His scythe glides a perfect sweep
The stems fall and then lay there
Like soldiers all gone to sleep
Moments they before the blade
Deftly laid one by one
Moments as the memories made
With time would now be gone
But leaving something of a kind
Perhaps some distant smile begotten
Lost to that old and aging mind
Are the times of time forgotten

M y special place
A nd special day
R eserved for you
I n the night I pray
L ying adrift
Y our gated home
N o place to go
B eside your throne
U pon sacred ground
C hrist scripted stone
H allowed be thy name
A nd a note, you've moved on
N ot your funny words
A nd your heart of gold
N ot the love we shared
A ccept the vessel, that freed your soul
F orever memories
R eminiscent of the days
I n younger times
E ven our separate ways
N ever to forget
D uring your last days
I felt the tears upon our face
N ot saying goodbye
H oping for another day
E very word you spoke
A nother memory paved
V ery often you would say
E veryday you fought to stay
N o other than family could touch you that way!!!
"A friend in heaven"
We miss you so much!!!
RIP Marilyn 8/17/2013

Her Face was perfection, Still see it everywhere
The beauty in her eyes, Please forgive my stare
Though to confess my love,
Oh no, I wouldn't dare...
So I'll just keep thinking of her, But it's just not fair
Her Face won't go away, So engrained in my mind
This girl was different, Unlike any other I'll ever find
Oh how the two of us,
How our lives could've aligned...
So now, to everyone else, My heart is blind
But she'll never know,
Just what I would've done to be with her!
That I'd gladly travel through time and space
Just to appreciate her beauty,
And wake next to Her Face
Her Face comforts me, Holds me tight and dear
Takes me to another world, A new frontier
I'm dreaming where she loves me so much,
That part is clear...
But as I awake, Just shed another tear
Her Face and her love, I won't ever forget
Lust for her will remain, Lips will get wet
I'll be reminded of her,
At each days sunset...
And I'll remember everything, From the first day we met
But she'll never know,
Just what I would've done to be with her!
That I'd gladly travel through time and space
Just to appreciate her beauty,
And wake next to Her Face
Her Face is the sunshine, A universal light
With it's soul and it's passion, It was quite a sight
Oh how just to see her,
Brought me such delight...
But here I am all alone now, Another late night
Her Face will surely lift someone up, With unconditional love
So what will come of me, Can I rise above?
Without Her Face,
I'm unsure thereof...
Because see, out of my mind, to her, I'll never shove
And she'll never know,
Just what I would've done to be with her!
That I'd gladly travel through time and space
Just to appreciate her beauty,
And wake next to Her Face
Her Face, I see it every night, In my dreams
Where everything will all align, Oh how it seems
We're walking together...
Hands together, Along the forests blue streams
Her Face ignited feelings, Things I've never before felt
Just got to play the hand, The cruel hand I was dealt
I will always have my writing,
To continue to dwell...
On a lost love to whom one day, I would've knelt

The little green car
Checking on your fate
The elusive little demon
Always running late
I know you're out there
I might even have your number
I don't remember it, but i read it
It's in there somewhere
Better come clean
Better tell your maker
Your story's out
You'll tell him in the end
Does your spirit cry for mercy
Is your soul hard to find
Will you tell your story
Is your head in your behind
Will you spend your living days
Knowing that it's true
Live out your existence
Denying it was you

On solid familiar fertile ground
My humbled set of feet stand
I work diligently avoiding demand
Total Independence, I tried and found
Trials and problems, I did mount
Indeed like a boxer, I pound and been pound
A fight not in ring but on land
There are teardrops in my eyes
There are laughter and smiles you saw
There are shoutouts I said in law
There are memories I leave raw
Who will come to cherish these?
Who will come to pass these?
Who will come and do the same?
Not for money, power or fame
By:
olive_eloi
12:05 pm
01/13/2014
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-------------***Hope you can check my personal blog as well: http://myblossomingthoughts.blogspot.com/...
Thank you so much for reading my composition…
God bless us always….. >> Olive Eloisa ?

My light has been dimmed. My branches', broken. My leaves fell off, one by one. And with no light, I suffered. The cold bit me in the night. I found comfort, in the darkness. It loved me through my pain. Even though your world kept growing, mine remained the same. My love has never faded for you. It never changed.
Your beauty kept me going, kept me strong. I felt like a blade of grass in a country song. Your hair blew with the curling wind while singing a beautiful love song. Your heart was beating closely with mine and I succumbed to rhythm that would beat through time. I am yours and forever, you will be mine. We will love again closely, when you reach my space in time. I was always yours and you were always mine. I leave my kiss upon our sacred time. Remember my love, my faithful vows. I'll always be with you, enjoying your smile.